Magnolia’s Parsons Joining the Herd

Eagles standout headed to Marshall as preferred walk-on

CODY TOMER

Sports Writer

Photo by Cody Tomer
Magnolia football standout Brooks Parsons will continue his athletic and academic careers at Marshall. Parsons, front, center, is flanked by Magnolia football coach Dave “Doc” Chapman and father, Robbie Parsons. Back row, from left is Christina Coulter, mother; Corey Coulter, stepfather and Kathi Schmaltz, Magnolia Principal.

NEW MARTINSVILLE–Lacing up the cleats for a Division I football program has always been a dream for Magnolia’s Brooks Parsons.

He took a big step towards turning that dream into a reality on National Signing Day as the speedster signed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Marshall University as a preferred walk-on.

Parsons was joined Wednesday at Magnolia High School by his father, Robbie Parsons; mother, Christina Coulter; stepfather Corey Coulter; Magnolia football coach Dave “Doc” Chapman and Magnolia principal Kathi Schmaltz as he made it official.

“I’ve always wanted to play Division I football,” Parsons said. “I had a couple of chances to go Division II but I just figured I would follow my dream and stay with it.”

Parsons has accomplished an abundance of goals in his four years at Magnolia. At the top of that list is helping the Blue Eagles capture a West Virginia State Championship in 2015.

“Winning a state championship here was really nice,” Parsons said. “Coach Chapman has always been really good to me and I had a great time here at Magnolia. Now I am just looking forward to the future at Marshall.”

As a senior, the wide receiver took home first team all-state honors for his performance and earned second-team accolades as a junior.

In his career at Magnolia, Parsons hauled in 119 passes for 2,113 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was also hard to stop on the ground as he amassed 901 yards and nine scores.

He did it all for Chapman’s squad as he returned four special teams touchdowns, played defensive back and served as the punter.

“He has earned it,” Chapman said. “He was a four-year starter here, a two-time all-stater and a part of the 2015 state championship team. He was a big part of that.

“Marshall saw him in a football camp last summer, so they knew who he was. He is an invited walk-on, so he has a roster spot. He’s going to prove his worth and I look for big things out of him.”

The idea of playing Division I football was not the only factor that helped Parsons head for Huntington. The campus and the school’s history also made an impact on his decision.

“I’ve been down there about three times, now,” Parsons said. “Everything is new and is just really nice.”

Parsons is looking to follow in the footsteps of former Blue Eagles standout and Marshall University Hall of Famer, John “Fuzzy” Filliez.

Filliez graduated from Magnolia in 1973, where he became the first OVAC athlete to earn first team all-state laurels in football, basketball and baseball. He then went on to have a successful football career for the Thundering Herd.

“Marshall has had kids from West Virginia do really well there,” Parsons said. “Fuzzy Filliez is a Hall of Famer down there and I have been able to keep in contact with him, as well.”

Parsons has a variety of attributes that make him a solid weapon but his speed could help him shine in Doc Holliday’s offense.

“He fits what they do very well,” Chapman said. “They like throwing the ball and Brooks is very excited. He has always wanted to play Division I football.

“He had some personal goals set and he is on the right path. He has a good supportive family and as a coach I can’t say enough good things about him. Marshall is getting a good one.”

Parsons’ hard work at the high school level is what has led him to this point in his journey and Chapman knows his work ethic will pay off at the next level.

“He is a quality kid,” Chapman said. “He understands hard work and he understands that nothing will be given to him. It’s just like when he stepped in here as a freshman. He came in and impressed all of the coaches. We knew right from the start he could play.

“He’s got some work ahead of him but he’ll do well because Brooks wants to do well. He’ll set some goals for what he wants to do there but he has earned this.”